Greatest quotes of Irish hero Michael Collins recalled

Michael Collins, Ireland's beloved revolutionary hero who helped to shepherd the Irish people through the War of Independence and the Anglo-Irish treaty, was assassinated 93 years ago at Béal na Bláth in Co. Cork.

He was the most admired Irishman of his generation and he uttered memorable words during his lifetime.

2. “There is no crime in detecting and destroying in wartime the spy and informer. They have destroyed without trial. I have paid them back in their own coin.”

-Collins commenting on Bloody Sunday, when his men gunned down British spies in Dublin.

3. “Of Pearse and Connolly I admire the latter the most. Connolly was a realist, Pearse the direct opposite. I would have followed Connolly to hell had such action been necessary. But I honestly doubt I would have followed Pearse…”

4. “Lloyd George … I find to be particularly obnoxious. He is all comradely, all craft and wiliness—all arm around the shoulder…not long ago he would have had me joyfully at the rope end.”

-On Lloyd George, then-British Prime Minister.

5. “Give us the future..we’ve had enough of your past..give us back our country to live in—to grow in..to love.”

-During the treaty negotiations.

6. “To me the task is a loathsome one. I go in the spirit of the soldier who acts against his best judgment at the orders of his superior.”

-On being sent to Downing Street for the negotiations.

7. “Think what have I got for Ireland … Something which she has wanted these past 700 years, will anyone be satisfied with this bargain, will anyone? I tell you this, early this morning I have signed my death warrant.”